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Minnesota Senate primary heats up as ICE backlash boosts Flanagan among DFL delegates

But many insiders say her DFL rival still has a strong path to the primary.

News

Sharp-elbowed attacks over ICE, fraud and electability are flying in the high-stakes U.S. Senate primary between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Rep. Angie Craig" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/29/angie-craig-running-minnesota-senate-2026" data-vars-content-id="9e3101ca-afec-4a8d-a624-410e801bf0ff" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Senate primary heats up as ICE backlash boosts Flanagan among DFL delegates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/29/angie-craig-running-minnesota-senate-2026" target="_self">U.S. Rep. Angie Craig</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/13/walz-flanagan-us-senate-tina-smith-race-democrats" data-vars-content-id="9e3101ca-afec-4a8d-a624-410e801bf0ff" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Senate primary heats up as ICE backlash boosts Flanagan among DFL delegates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/13/walz-flanagan-us-senate-tina-smith-race-democrats" target="_self">Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a>.Why it matters: Political fallout over Operation Metro Surge has stoked a race that was already seen as a proxy battle over the future of the Democratic Party.

Kado No Mise chef is Minnesota's only James Beard finalist

Shigeyuki Furukawa is up for the Midwest's best chef.

Food and Drink

Kado No Mise chef Shigeyuki Furukawa was named a James Beard Award finalist Tuesday for the Midwest&#x27;s best chef.Why it matters: Out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10 Minnesota restaurants and chefs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/minnesota-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="21195618-766b-4272-b977-0f77534a08a2" data-vars-headline="Kado No Mise chef is Minnesota&#x27;s only James Beard finalist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/minnesota-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">10 Minnesota restaurants and chefs</a> who were previously named semifinalists in the Oscar awards of the foodie world, Furukawa is the only nominee who made the shortlist.

What's behind Minnesota's bad January jobs report

While DEED blames the ICE surge, others suggest different factors are slowing job creation

The Twin Cities metro lost 2,000 jobs in January, a development that a top state official partly blamed on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal immigration crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/ice-surge-minnesota-businesses-covid-flashbacks" data-vars-content-id="7d8b2dea-8f1c-4569-827e-6e4cba88b79f" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s behind Minnesota&#x27;s bad January jobs report" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/ice-surge-minnesota-businesses-covid-flashbacks" target="_self">federal immigration crackdown</a>. Why it matters: The latest Minnesota jobs report shows that the state is losing ground, with 4.4% unemployment, topping the national rate (4.3%) for the first time since May 2007.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Easter egg hunts, psychic fair, dessert contest

If you're looking to branch out from your neighborhood's egg hunt, we know where to go.

Things to Do

Easter is on Sunday, and if you&#x27;re looking to branch out from your neighborhood&#x27;s egg hunt, we know where to go.<ul><li>Here are six unique Easter activities for all ages — and several species.</li></ul>

What's behind the spat over the Hennepin County sheriff's budget

County leaders are bracing for major shocks to their $3.1 billion budget.

A Hennepin County commissioner&#x27;s remarks on the Sheriff&#x27;s Office budget sparked outrage in Twin Cities law enforcement agencies last week.Yes, but: The serious money troubles facing Hennepin County that caused the controversy in the first place got lost in the headlines.Why it matters: Not only is the sheriff&#x27;s budget at stake, but so are county-run <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety net programs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/13/mutual-aid-evictions-rental-assistance" data-vars-content-id="c99ba695-ec62-48d2-be0b-d99e50f6bde8" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s behind the spat over the Hennepin County sheriff&#x27;s budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/13/mutual-aid-evictions-rental-assistance" target="_self">safety net programs</a>, library services, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fraud" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="c99ba695-ec62-48d2-be0b-d99e50f6bde8" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s behind the spat over the Hennepin County sheriff&#x27;s budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">fraud</a>-fighting efforts, the survival of Hennepin County Medical Center — and property taxpayers&#x27; bills.

Minnesota road construction 2026: 200 projects, $1.5B in spending

Plus, I-494 drivers find out there are four more years of work ahead.

Major road construction projects are kicking off across Minnesota as drivers prepare for another robust season of closures, detours and migraines. The big picture: MnDOT says the 2026 construction season includes 200 road and bridge projects, with a budget of $1.5 billion — on par with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="previous years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/03/road-construction-minnesota-2025" data-vars-content-id="cdb6491a-845e-48f3-ad4b-08a4b53bf2fe" data-vars-headline="Minnesota road construction 2026: 200 projects, $1.5B in spending" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/03/road-construction-minnesota-2025" target="_self">previous years</a>.

Office tower value free fall continues

Downtown Minneapolis buildings have lost 35% of their value since 2020.

Downtown office values continued their plunge in 2025, and there&#x27;s still no <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bottom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/28/downtown-minneapolis-office-vacancy-leasing" data-vars-content-id="694f5ad8-3e1e-4d2b-b96a-069920d7c45d" data-vars-headline="Office tower value free fall continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/28/downtown-minneapolis-office-vacancy-leasing" target="_self">bottom</a> in sight for the market.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re a homeowner, this means office landlords are paying less in property taxes, and you&#x27;re covering the difference.

State Rep. Elliott Engen arrested on DWI suspicion

The 27-year-old was booked at 4:42am Friday morning in the Ramsey County jail.

State Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elliott Engen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/03/minnesota-republicans-bills-dont-pass" data-vars-content-id="936859ba-4d1e-4a2d-b5be-c73ca7c10308" data-vars-headline="State Rep. Elliott Engen arrested on DWI suspicion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/03/minnesota-republicans-bills-dont-pass" target="_self">Elliott Engen</a>, a GOP candidate for state auditor, was arrested and booked in the Ramsey County jail on suspicion of DWI, according to county records. The 27-year-old from White Bear Township was booked at 4:42am Friday on charges of fourth-degree DWI, according to a news release from the department. He was released less than two hours later.

Survey: Operation Metro Surge agents frequently used force, random stops

At least 1 in 4 Minneapolis residents reported encountering an agent.

One in four Minneapolis residents and one in five St. Paul residents encountered an ICE or Border Patrol agent during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Metro Surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/26/court-filings-paint-mixed-picture-of-ices-minnesota-drawdown" data-vars-content-id="2766c46f-38b1-4be2-b6cb-c681459b0839" data-vars-headline="Survey: Operation Metro Surge agents frequently used force, random stops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/26/court-filings-paint-mixed-picture-of-ices-minnesota-drawdown" target="_self">Operation Metro Surge</a>, a new survey found.Why it matters: The university-backed poll is a stunning measure of how deeply the immigration enforcement surge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disrupted daily life" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" data-vars-content-id="2766c46f-38b1-4be2-b6cb-c681459b0839" data-vars-headline="Survey: Operation Metro Surge agents frequently used force, random stops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" target="_self">disrupted daily life</a> in the Twin Cities.

St. Paul takes center stage in nationwide "No Kings" protests

Bernie Sanders and Bruce Springsteen are set to join crowds as the Twin Cities host a flagship rally.

Tens of thousands of Minnesotans are expected to march to the State Capitol Saturday for a star-studded No Kings rally. The big picture: Progressive political groups, labor unions and human and civil rights organizations expect the nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations to surpass last year&#x27;s No Kings rallies in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" data-vars-content-id="31898c9e-f969-402c-bf9f-623b8475a9a1" data-vars-headline="St. Paul takes center stage in nationwide &quot;No Kings&quot; protests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" target="_self">June</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="October" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" data-vars-content-id="31898c9e-f969-402c-bf9f-623b8475a9a1" data-vars-headline="St. Paul takes center stage in nationwide &quot;No Kings&quot; protests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" target="_self">October</a>.<ul><li>St. Paul will serve as the &quot;flagship&quot; protest, according to organizers, with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, Jane Fonda and Bruce Springsteen scheduled to attend. </li></ul>

Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers

The season doesn't look promising, but at least there are $2 beers.

The announcement that Target Field will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sell $2 pre-game beers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/03/twins-should-offer-cheap-beer-to-bring-fans-back" data-vars-content-id="0290e0fa-8966-4c46-816e-5863c2ba9479" data-vars-headline="Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/03/twins-should-offer-cheap-beer-to-bring-fans-back" target="_self">sell $2 pre-game beers</a> generated more buzz than any other Twins move this offseason.Why it matters: When cheap beers are the biggest offseason draw, it underscores how much fan interest has spiraled in recent years.

Delta finds a spot for high-end lounge 

Delta finds place for high-end lounge at MSP Airport 

The Spoon: Baseball is back in Minneapolis 

A line chart that tracks seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rates in Minnesota and the U.S. from January 2006 to January 2026. Minnesota rose from 4.1% to a peak of 11.1% in May 2020, then fell to 2.3% in 2022. By January 2026, Minnesota was 4.4% and the U.S. 4.3%.

Unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted

Data: Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development; Chart: Kyle Stokes/Axios

News 🗞

Delta finds place for high-end lounge at MSP Airport

The Spoon: Baseball is back in Minneapolis

What's behind Minnesota's bad January jobs report

What's behind the spat over the Hennepin County sheriff's budget

Target Field unveils new food, drinks for 2026 season